Australia’s Arnold satisfied; Palestine’s Daboub applauds Dabbagh

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Australia’s Arnold satisfied; Palestine’s Daboub applauds Dabbagh

Sydney: Graham Arnold had mixed emotions after Australia recorded their third straight win in Group I of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, defeating Lebanon 2-0 on Thursday.

Keanu Baccus and Kye Rowles scored for the Socceroos but while the result was pleasing, the performance left much to be desired with Arnold expecting better control of the game when the two teams meet again on Tuesday.

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Ishii credits Thailand’s confidence; Korea Republic’s Son happy despite draw

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Ishii credits Thailand’s confidence; Korea Republic’s Son happy despite draw

Seoul: Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii credited his players' confidence after they held  Korea Republic to a 1-1 draw in Group C of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Son Heung-min put Korea Republic in front going into the break before a resurgent Thailand levelled the tie through substitute Suphanat Mueanta.

Japan’s Moriyasu pleased with “difficult” win

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Japan’s Moriyasu pleased with “difficult” win

Tokyo: Head coach Hajime Moriyasu defended Japan's performance, saying his players showed "persistence till the very end despite difficult circumstances" in their 1-0 win over DPR Korea in Group B of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Ao Tanaka’s second minute goal meant Japan made it three wins out of three to move five points clear at the top, with Myanmar and Syria playing to a 1-1 draw in the other tie.
 
Japan are well on course for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers which will also seal AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualification and that was all that Moriyasu was concerned about. 

Round 2 - MD3: Results & Reports

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Round 2 - MD3: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Three of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ concluded on Thursday with another round of exciting action across the continent.

Reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar, Japan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Australia remained firmly in control of their respective groups with victories while Korea Republic were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Thailand. 
 
The nine group winners and the respective runners-up will advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
 
The other 18 teams from Round 2 will proceed directly to the third and final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifying. Stay updated on all the reaction from Thursday's matches with the-AFC.com with the teams to play again on Tuesday. 

Asian hopefuls learn path to Paris 2024 glory

Thu, 21 Mar, 2024

Asian hopefuls learn path to Paris 2024 glory

Paris: Japan were drawn in Group C of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 while Australia will open their campaign in Group B following the official draw in Paris on Wednesday.

The continent's representatives in the Men’s Tournament will be decided at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™, with three automatic slots and a possible fourth from a playoff available.